Reebok enforcing dress code on 49ers’ Nolan

By Danny Dabiri  |   Monday, June 11, 2007  |  Comments( 38 )

San Francisco 49ers
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Newly appointed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has emphasized professionalism and responsibility in his short tenure at the helm. In an attempt to clean up the league's negative perception concerning player conduct, Goodell has handed down several suspensions to players who have reflected poorly on the NFL as a whole. Players like Tennessee Titans defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry and Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson have felt the brunt of Goodell's charge to improve the league's image.

Considering the league's desire to promote excellence, it should come as a surprise that Reebok, the NFL's official clothing supplier, is enforcing a dress code against head coaches Mike Nolan (San Francisco) and Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville).

Reebok has informed both coaches that they will only be allowed to wear suits in two games this upcoming season. Sorry, guys, the hoody is mandatory.

Granted, Reebok hands out a hefty fee to be the official clothing supplier of the NFL, reportedly paying $250 million for 10 years of exclusive rights to the uniforms and apparel of every team in the league. For that kind of cash, the NFL is more than willing to outsource its dress code guidelines to Reebok.

It is clear that Nolan disagrees with this decision. He has been very vocal with his displeasure.

"I'd feel a lot better if they just put it to rest and let me do it all the time. Because it's ridiculous they don't," Nolan said. "We're trying to send the right message all the time. And it's ignorant for them not to recognize that. Reebok's never had more attention given to them."

Setting a good example for his players is not Nolan's only motive for wearing a suit. As many 49ers fans likely know, his father, Dick, wore a suit when he coached the 49ers in the 1960s and '70s. With his father in failing health and suffering from Alzheimer's, Nolan seeks to honor his father with his attire.

How can you argue with that?

Reebok would be wise to take the high road and permit head coaches to have control over their attire. Their stance on this issue is petty and misguided. If more coaches wore suits on the field, it would enhance the league's perception. If head coaches were allowed to sport polished, responsible-looking attire, the league's bruised public image would be met with a counterbalancing force -- a force that fosters respect, admiration and professionalism.

Who knows? This new message and attitude of respect and professionalism may even rub off on some of the character-empty players scattered throughout the league. Ultimately, Nolan will be judged on how his team performs on the field, but he should certainly have the right to lead the 49ers the way he sees fit.

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CommentsComments: 38  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
EverYoung49		05:11 AM
06/11/2007
It is such a travesty that coach Nolan can wear a suit to every game. The reasons behind it are so noble and respectable, and the...
No.2
Alex Correa		09:28 AM
06/11/2007
All Reebok cares about is having their emblem on the damn suit, why don't they just put a stupid Reebok symbol, the NFL logo and...
No.3
Dragos		09:50 AM
06/11/2007
This is so stupid. I mean Nolan is 100% right on this. If the league is so serious about changing the way people precieve it, why...
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